Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Ethiopia: Major Barriers and Impacts

Abstract

Ethiopia is frequently known by a high degree of vulnerability to climate induced shocks in which adaptation options are highly imperative. The purpose of this study is to assess climate change vulnerability and adaptation. Definitely, it is to assess the causes of vulnerability to climate change in Ethiopia; to identify the varieties of climate change adaptation strategies practiced in Ethiopia; to find out the main barriers of climate change adaptation and impacts of climate change in Ethiopia. In this study a purely qualitative approach was followed. The dada was obtained secondary sources via published and unpublished documents. In addition, various literatures were also extensively reviewed. The analysis of the study was based on thematic analysis. The result indicates that response options to climate change are necessary to adjust the effects of climate change and commendably lessen substantial vulnerability. In Ethiopia the causes for vulnerability of climate change found to be very high dependence on rain fed agriculture; under-development of water resource and low health service coverage among others. Crop diversification; tree planting; practice of off-farm activities; soil and water conservation were also the climate change adaptation strategies commonly used in Ethiopia. In addition, the result showed that the state of natural uncertainty, technological factors and socially constructed norms as the major barriers for climate change adaptation in the country.